Lakeland vs Orlando: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Lakeland, FL and Orlando, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lakeland, FL | Orlando, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,755 | $65,063▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.17 | $31.28▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,534▲ | $42,107 |
| 25th Percentile | $58,065▲ | $53,796 |
| 75th Percentile | $71,841 | $74,233▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $71,841 | $83,350▲ |
| Total Employed | 280 | 1,490▲ |
Verdict
Orlando, FL offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lakeland.
The salary gap between Lakeland and Orlando is $2,308 (3.68%). Orlando's median is -4.52% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lakeland spans $25,307,Orlando spans $41,243. Orlando has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced surgical technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lakeland ($64,602 effective) pays 0.70% more than Orlando ($64,153 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lakeland if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,602)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Orlando if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,063/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,350)
- ✓Larger job market (1,490 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Lakeland grew 49.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 33.3% growth in Orlando over the same period.
Lakeland, FL
$39,890 (2019) → $59,540 (2025)
Orlando, FL
$46,320 (2019) → $61,730 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lakeland, FL
Orlando, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Lakeland or Orlando?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lakeland and Orlando?
Should I relocate from Lakeland to Orlando as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Lakeland vs Orlando?
Related Comparisons
Written by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years of experience as a surgical technologist. She specializes in orthopedic surgical procedures. Jessica works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.40% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov